Luka Modric dedicated part of his Ballon d’Or honour to Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez whom he said had deserved it in the past.

Xavi has responded, showing how grateful he is for Modric’s dedication. Argentina international Lionel Messi and Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the award for about 5 years back to back, but Modric has shattered that record by winning the award this year.

“Maybe there were other players who could have won it in recent years and didn’t like Xavi, [Andres] Iniesta or [Wesley] Sneijder but it wasn’t to be for them,” Modric said.

“Now people wanted something different and it is a victory for football so I’m very happy but this award is also for those players who probably deserved to win but didn’t.”